The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1887-11-26
Social Saunterings.
BIZ A SOCIETY MAN.

Some one remarked the other day
that there is not the same interest
taken in the society of Morgantowr
as in days gone by, and referred tt
the good old times in the early his
tory of the University. Scarcely 8
week passed then without big re
ception. Those persons who are
foremost in social circles to-day ac
knowledge that the society of this
town is not what it ought to be, and
that it has degenerated greatly il
the past few years.
The "unsophisticated Prep" the
wise Soph" and the Ignorant Sen
Tor" are all required to come to this
seat of learning and graduate from
the University and go out into the
world probably without any social
intercourse whatever. If they had
any opportunities before they CAME
to the University, all well and good
possibly they master enough cour-
age to take part in society when they
arrive at Morgantown; but If not
then when they finish their educa
ton and endeavor to battle with the
world they will discover the sad mis-
take in their college career.
What we need is the practical as
well as the theoretical side of life
more opportunities for social inter
course, that will enable the student
to know how to act when he COM
pletes his education, and manners
that will make him attractive, an
honor to the college from which he
graduated and the town in which he
studied
"Why is this thusnessY 1t is
not because Morgantown people are
inferior to those in other sections OF
the State, not because the people
cannot afford to give entertainments
and receptions that will advance the
social standard. Then why is it
1t is simply because those who
should be interested in such matters
are not rid of the fogyism of then
ancient forefathers.
1t is true that our town is one OF
the oldest and most aristocratic in
the State, and that the people are
refined and cultured, yet they mani
fest no practical interest in the adj
vancement of society. Consequent
ly they are fifty years, practically
speaking, behind the modern social
world. When dancing or card play
ing, as matter of amusement, is
proposed it is Immediately scoffed
at. They never reason, but say be-
cause they did not do it when they
were young that we should not.
There is no desire on the part of the
''ancient fogies' to bring the young
people together, whereby they can
discuss topics and play games in
which they might have common
interest. There is nothing facinat.
ing and enjoyable in the social feat
ures of Morgantown. AS the last
resort young lady becomes fast
upon young gentleman and that
ends their career so far as the Others
concerned. Consequently the ladies
being monopolized by their particu-
lar young gentlemen friends not only
utterly debar themselves from so
ciety but very often blast forever
their chances and place their names
on that roll of honor so conspicuous
college towns.
What we need is more general
acquaintance that will not confint
the young people to few friends
exclusively. We,need opportunities
to enlarge our circle of acquaint
ances so that we may not only bt
better able to criticise the faults Of
intimate friends but at the sams
time to learn to fully appreciate
them. In order that such opportun
tiles may be offered it would be 9
good plan, as it is customary in MI
college towns, for the professors and
those who should feel an interest il
social life to gives series Of recep.
tions or social gatherings and there
by enable the young people to cult
vate general and profitable &C
4 Ouaintance.